Students filled the Compton Union Building auditorium Thursday night to enjoy the talents of students who competed in the annual Cougs Got Talent competition hosted by the Student Entertainment Board.

By the time the first act of the night began at 5:30 p.m., the audience was beginning to build energy for the evening of performances.

It opened with introductions of the event and the judges for the competition. The judges included Pullman Mayor Francis Benjamin, Daily Evergreen Editor-in-Chief and local country music legend Levi Coovert, as well as WSU football player Kaden Beatty.

To open the evening, the group 2 Wagon Band took the stage to perform an original song written by lead singer Hoku Kawasugi. The performance included harmonizing vocals, guitar, bass and drums, and was about Hoku’s long distance relationship with his girlfriend in Las Vegas.

“When they had a girl singer and a guy singer that started singing at the same time…that was phenomenal,” Beatty said.

The next performer, Brett Lorrain, sang a cover of “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran, but with a rock twist showing his personal style. Lorrain is a member of a local band in Pullman, so he enjoys performing in front of a crowd because it gives him an opportunity to hone his skills.

“Every single time I’ve done a performance, it helps me get better every time,” Lorrain said.

Following Lorrain on stage were Frank Li Tengyuan and Maya Alger, who performed an Italian opera ballad with a dance routine to the song.

Christopher Crane was the next contestant, and he performed an original song that was fully self-produced and about the pains of a breakup he could not seem to get over. 

Up to the stage next was Jason Ingram, who performed a rock and metal song that immediately fired up the audience members, not just through sound but also through showmanship. He played the electric guitar behind his head, and even with his teeth, evoking cheers and wows from the crowd.

“The guy shredding the guitar…people got pretty fired up about that,” Beatty said.

The last performers of the night were Lilly Mendoza-Allen and Mabel Anderson, who performed a song that was “for girls, gays and theys,” a rendition of the song “Seasons of Love” from the “Rent” musical.

Following the performances of the talent competitions, the judges took a few minutes to discuss and decide the winners.

Benjamin said standout performances during the evening can be defined by one thing.

“Something that’s engaging…that the audience is enjoying,” Benjamin said.

Meanwhile, the group Luck and Charm took the stage to perform a few comedic acts keeping the crowd entertained.

They performed a bit where they ate dry cinnamon toast with a fork, loudly eating the cereal while close and intimate with the microphone, almost like ASMR, adding a funny playful tone to the event, resulting in laughs and a round of applause from the crowd. 

After much deliberation from the judges, the 2 Wagon Band was named the winner of the evening, taking home the $500 prize.

“It’s definitely a little nervous to start the concert, but once you get going with the music, it becomes a little easier,” said Joseph Caserta, lead guitarist of 2 Wagon Band.

The band consists of only freshmen students who get to hone their musical talents together several times each week.

“It’s just awesome to be able to bring a lot of people together to do something cool like this,” said Silas Newton, the band’s bassist.

Behind the event was SEB Spotlight Director Hussein Akoum, who said the goal was to create both opportunity and entertainment.

“We really highlight and display the incredible talent and passion across campus,” Akoum said.

He added the purpose of SEB is reflected directly in events like this.

“We’re entertaining the students, so they’re not bored,” Akoum said.

While the competition may have ended for the evening, the energy remained with the audience members afterward. Much like other events hosted by SEB, the Cougs Got Talent competition was a reflection of the creativity, as well as the energy that exists within the Coug student body.

For more information on upcoming events by SEB, visit their Instagram or website.